principally
Americanadverb
adverb
Synonym Usage
See especially.
Etymology
Origin of principally
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at principal, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The “Roadster’s near-term significance is principally as a technology and brand showcase,” StoneX analyst Mickey Legg said in a note on Friday.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
A spokeswoman for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said the agreement protects patient privacy and “resolves a matter principally involving certain alleged gender-affirming care billing practices.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Greenhouse gases principally work by making it harder for heat to escape out into space.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026
Medicaid Fraud Control Units were principally responsible for investigating providers, while also prosecuting the abuse and neglect of patients whose care was billed to Medicaid.
From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026
At that time, the Union Stock Yard was dominated by two other meat men: Philip Armour, who specialized in pork; and Nelson Morris, who dealt principally in beef.
From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
